Tom Izzo lost himself. It happens, especially when you’re trying to be all things to all people.

He listened too closely to the negative recruiting tactics, bent on steering prep All-Americas away from Michigan State because Izzo rode players too hard in practice or — perish the thought — demanded they play defense. But he found the only voice that mattered.

Michigan State has returned to its basketball roots — an overachieving team that perfectly reflects the personality of its coach. The Spartans have again embraced the idea that any destination worth reaching requires a certain amount of scratching and clawing to get there.

• Izzo goes back to hard-line approach